Linear hidden vent feature for over the range style cooking appliances

ABSTRACT

An exhaust vent apparatus for concealing an exhaust passage in a cooking appliance such as a microwave oven. The apparatus including at least one vent cover member engaged to cover the exhaust passage in flush alignment with a front surface of the oven in a closed position. A guide member is engaged to the vent cover member and aligned with the exhaust passage to provide substantially linear motion of the vent cover member when activated. The guide member may also provide limited arcuate motion. At least one displacement member coupled to the guide member for displacing the vent cover member to an open position in a generally parallel orientation relative to the surface, and the vent cover member being retracted to a closed position.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a vent feature for an over the range style microwave and speedcooking appliances. More particularly, this disclosure relates to an exhaust vent cover member or door capable of opening and closing with substantially linear movement.

Exhaust vents for conventional cooking appliances are known to be provided with vent covers to prevent unwanted air particulate, smoke, and dust from entering an exhaust duct of the associated appliance. Additionally, vent covers hide unattractive exhaust passages, vents, or louvers from plain sight and are typically integrated into a surface of the appliance for an improved appearance. Vent covers are also known that automatically open and close when cooktop ventilation is required or if airflow is needed for the cooking appliance.

Manually operated vent covers are able to be manipulated without complex linkage connections or moving parts. However, users are at risk of inconsistently opening the vent cover during operation of the appliance, or inadvertently leaving the vent cover in an open position. Additionally, the vent cover may be positioned at an unreachable location for some users thereby preventing effective manual operation and an open flow of exhaust air or gas when the appliance is activated.

Prior arrangements provide automatic actuation of vent covers over exhausts or vents in a microwave that use a rotating cam arrangement. This approach includes a pivot point or hinged connection typically along an intersection of a longitudinal side of the vent cover and a housing surface of the microwave surrounding the exhaust vent. The pivot point may be either on the exhaust vent or the housing. The rotating cam transmits a rotational force of a motor shaft to a lever or arm. The lever engages the vent cover and urges the cover forwardly to a predetermined open position that is angled away from the surface of the appliance.

However, this approach has associated drawbacks including the inability to provide a fully open passage to direct the flow of exhausted air from the vent. Geometric limitations inherent within the vent cover, length of the lever, and diameter of the cam prevent the vent cover from being fully opened. More particularly, the rotational motion of the vent cover relative to the exhaust vent and surface of the oven prevents efficient passage of air. Instead air flow is potentially at least partially inhibited by the vent cover. Additionally, the hinged connection generally requires the vent cover to adopt a generally planar shape which limits styling options. The pivot point disposed along the longitudinal surface of the vent cover is geometrically impractical for non-linear vent covers relying on rotational motion for actuation on speedcooking appliances that have curved or arcuate surfaces, potentially creating unwanted gaps along the surface.

Therefore, there is a need to provide a vent cover that can be automatically and easily actuated to a fully open position, and likewise easily closed. In addition, there is a need to provide a microwave or speedcooking appliance that effectively exhausts an associated cooking environment, and that consistently and effectively opens and closes in a manner that also provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance while also enhancing design and aesthetic considerations.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to an exhaust vent apparatus for concealing an exhaust louver in a food product cooking environment.

The apparatus includes a vent cover member or door that covers an exhaust passage, the cover member is preferably integrated with a surface of the food cooking environment. The vent cover member substantially covers the exhaust passage and is preferably placed in flush alignment with an appliance surface in a closed position. At least one guide member engages the vent cover member and provides substantially linear motion of the vent cover member when actuated. A displacement member displaces the vent cover member, the vent cover member being released to an open position in a generally perpendicular orientation relative to the surface and the vent cover member being retracted to the closed position.

In a preferred embodiment, the guide member includes a mechanical linkage system adapted to position the vent cover member in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the surface of the food product cooking environment. The guide member provides linear motion and may also provide arcuate motion to allow the vent cover member to be laterally displaced from a direct passage of exhaust airflow through the exhaust louver. The vent cover member may adjust rotationally relative to the surface of the food product cooking environment during arcuate motion.

In one preferred embodiment, the displacement member includes a motor drive mechanism that is controlled by a controller that allows displacement of the vent cover member to a plurality of positions relative to the surface of the food product cooking environment. The controller is programmed to actuate the motor drive mechanism to move the vent cover member to the open position when a specified maximum threshold air temperature is detected or when the food product cooking environment is in use. The controller may also be programmed to operate the motor driving mechanism to retract the vent cover member to the closed position when the food product cooking environment reaches a specified minimum threshold air temperature or when the food product cooking environment is turned off or disabled.

In another embodiment, the displacement member is manually operated for releasing and retracting the vent cover member. The retracting member includes a spring closure mechanism for displacing the vent cover member.

The vent cover member may have a non-linear shape that aligns with the non-linear shape of a surface of the food product cooking environment.

A method for concealing an exhaust passage in a food product cooking environment is provided. The method includes covering an opening such as the exhaust passage with a vent cover member that is preferably attached to at least one guide member and a displacement member. The displacement member and guiding member open and close the vent cover member in a substantially linear direction. The cover member is released or actuated to an open position, wherein the vent cover member maintains a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to a surface of the food product cooking environment. The vent cover member is retracted to a closed position wherein the vent cover member rests in flush alignment with the surface.

In another preferred embodiment, an exhaust vent apparatus is provided for concealing an exhaust passage in a cooking appliance such as a microwave oven or speedcooking oven. The apparatus includes a vent cover member that covers an exhaust passage, the vent cover member being placed in flush alignment with a surface of the cooking appliance in a closed position. A guide member engages the vent cover member and guides the vent cover member along a travel path in a direction displaced from the exhaust passage. The vent cover member remains substantially parallel to the surface of the cooking appliance in an open position. A displacement member engages the guide member to actuate the vent cover member along the travel path and laterally space the vent cover member from the surface in the open position.

A primary advantage of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus that automatically opens and closes a vent cover member using linear actuation.

Another advantage resides in the improved aesthetics of the vent cover member.

Yet another advantage of the present disclosure relates to increased design flexibility for air flow direction and optimized appearance.

Still other advantages and benefits of the disclosure will become apparent upon reading and understanding the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a range style microwave or speedcooking appliance located over a stove.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a preferred embodiment wherein a vent cover member is in a closed position.

FIG. 3 is an exploded cross sectional view of the vent cover member in an open position;

FIG. 4 is an exploded cross sectional view of the vent cover member in another open position.

FIGS. 5-8 are schematic representations of different forms of a vent cover actuating arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An exhaust vent apparatus and method are provided to open and close an exhaust passage in a cooking appliance such as a microwave oven. The apparatus may be used to selectively conceal the exhaust passage and in this disclosure relates to and will be described in reference to concealing exhaust louvers within over the range style cooking appliances such as microwave ovens.

As shown in FIG. 1, an over the range style speedcooking appliance or microwave oven 100 is located above a range 105 as is typical for many kitchen appliance arrangements. Cabinetry 200 is provided, for example, along at least partially about three sides of the oven 100 while a rear wall or back wall of oven 100 abuts a wall 110. A bottom or lower surface 115 of oven 100 is spaced above a cooking surface or cooktop 120 of range 105.

Notably, due to the location of oven 100, the surrounding cabinetry 200 and cooktop 120, there are few locations of sufficient surface area available on the oven that allow for an adequately sized exhaust vent or louver without impeding airflow to be exhausted. In a first embodiment, vent cover member 125 is located on a front surface 130 of oven 100 preferably above a door 135 and a control panel 140 adjacent the door. As further evident in FIG. 2, vent cover member 125 is substantially aligned, i.e., flush or disposed in planar relation, with front surface 130 in a closed position 145. Here, the vent cover member 125 substantially covers an exhaust passage or vent 150 that may include louvers and helps to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance when there is no need to exhaust air, fumes, steam, smoke, etc. through an exhaust duct 155. The alignment of the vent cover member 125 with the front surface 130 provides an improved look to the façade of oven 100 within cabinetry 200. Additionally, the substantial alignment feature of the vent cover member over the exhaust passage assists the homeowner or user in keeping the front surface 130 and vent cover member 125 clean.

An exhaust fan 160 is preferably located within oven 100. When activated, exhaust fan 160 draws air into the exhaust passage and creates an airflow 165 (FIG. 2) through exhaust duct 155 and exhausted out exhaust vent 150 when vent cover member 125 is in an open position 170. Exhaust vent 150 may include louvers integrated within oven 100 and is generally recessed from front surface 130.

As can be better appreciated by FIG. 3, the vent cover member 125 is displaced from the front surface 130 of the oven 100 to facilitate airflow 165. In this embodiment, vent cover member 125 is horizontally displaced from exhaust vent 150 in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the front surface and thus the vent cover member remains substantially parallel to front surface 130. The horizontal displacement of the vent cover member 125 may be done manually or may be accomplished with a powered actuation. For example, the vent cover member 125 may be biased by a spring toward an open position so that if a catch or latch is released, the biasing force urges the vent cover member toward an open position. On the other hand, the vent cover member is then moved toward a closed position by overcoming the opening force of the spring until the latch/catch engages the vent cover member and maintains the closed position of the vent cover member in closed, flush relation with the front surface 130.

Alternatively, and preferably, automatic actuation of vent cover member 125 is provided via a displacement member and a guidance member to achieve the requisite force and guidance path to properly displace vent cover member 125 in accordance with the present disclosure. More specifically, the guide member may be a simple structure such as elongated guide arms 180 (FIG. 5) that extend from the vent cover member 125 and are substantially aligned with sidewalls of the housing or exhaust vent 150 to direct the vent cover member along a substantially linear path relative to and substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the oven 100. The displacement member may be the bias provided by spring 190 (FIG. 5), or a rack 195 that cooperates with a geared pinion 200 driven by motor 205 (FIG. 6), solenoid and damper combination 210, 215 (FIG. 7), or a motor 220, pulleys 225, 230, and flexible drive member 235 such as a cable, toothed belt, or similar flexible component (FIG. 8). Of course, these are representative examples of manual and powered drive members that achieve substantially linear movement of the vent cover member 125, but are not deemed to be the only types of drive members that can achieve a smooth, linear movement of the vent cover member. The guide member 180 contributes to the substantially linear motion of the vent cover member 125 when actuated and deactuated. Thus, alternative mechanical linkage systems or guide arrangements (e.g., four-bar linkage systems) that provide smooth motion to displace cover member 125 in a substantially linear direction are contemplated. Notably, these displacement and guide members of the present disclosure are distinguished from prior arrangements that used a hinged connection that rotated the vent cover member between open and closed positions. By utilizing linear motion, it becomes possible to displace vent cover member 125 from the direct passage of airflow 165 whereas rotational motion alone merely positions a cover member in angled relation to the surface of a oven 100.

As shown in FIG. 4, another embodiment is provided. Here, an open position 175 of vent cover member 125 is laterally displaced from a front surface plane 180 wherein vent cover member 125 remains in substantially parallel alignment with front surface plane 180. Lateral displacement of vent cover member 125 utilizes a motion provided by the guide member wherein vent cover member 125 is horizontally and laterally displaced from a direct passage of exhaust airflow 165 through exhaust louver 150. Here, vent cover member 125 adjusts relative to surface 130 during this more complex combination of linear and arcuate motion.

The displacement member is operatively associated with the guide member to selectively open and close, i.e., displace, the vent cover member 125 relative to the oven housing. The vent cover member 125 may be released (unlatched or power driven) to the open position 170, 175 in a generally parallel orientation relative to the surface 130 or the vent cover member 125 may be retracted to the closed position 145 where the vent cover member is flush with the front surface 130.

The displacement member preferably includes a drive motor or drive mechanism that is operatively controlled by a controller. The drive mechanisms such as motors 205, 215, and 220 are preferably an electromechanical induction type motors so that controller signals can provide for controlled movement. Additionally, if more than one motor is provided, it is preferred to synchronize movement of the motors with one another to coordinate movement of the vent cover member 125.

Additionally, controllers are generally known in the art to allow for a programmed operation of the displacement member. For example, the controller may be programmed to open and close the vent cover member 125 in accordance with the operation of oven 100 or with other associated appliances such as cooktop 120. For example, the controller may be programmed to activate the displacement member to release and/or drive the vent cover member 125 to the open position 170, 175 when a specified maximum threshold air temperature or pressure is reached or when the microwave oven is in use. Likewise, the controller may be programmed so that the displacement member retracts or closes the vent cover member 125 to the closed position 145 when a specified minimum threshold air temperature or pressure is determined or when the microwave oven has been disabled. These temperature and pressure determinations may be identified by sensors located on oven 100 in electrical communication with the controller. If desired, the displacement member may be coupled to the guide member to allow guidance and displacement of the vent cover member 125 to a plurality of open positions 170, 175 relative to surface 130.

The preferred linear motion of the vent cover member allows for exhaust vent 150 to be completely hidden from sight and gives greater design flexibility, i.e., minimizing gaps with the front surface of oven 100 while expanding shape and form possibilities in the microwave oven design. More particularly, linear motion allows the vent cover member 125 to adopt a wide variety of non-planar forms if desired, and can likewise conform to similar non-planar forms of the front surface 130 of the oven. This allows for an improved facade of a microwave oven where non-planar forms may now be used without unsightly gaps between the vent cover member and front surface.

The disclosure has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations. 

1. An exhaust vent apparatus for concealing an exhaust passage in a cooking appliance comprising: a vent cover member engaged to cover an exhaust passage substantially integrated with a surface of the appliance, the vent cover member substantially covering the exhaust passage in flush alignment with the surface in a closed position; a guide member engaged to the vent cover member and aligned with the exhaust passage, the guide member providing substantially linear motion to the vent cover member when activated; and, a displacement member coupled to the guide member for displacing the vent cover member, the vent cover member being released to an open position in a generally parallel orientation relative to the surface, the vent cover member being retracted to the closed position.
 2. An exhaust vent apparatus of claim 1 wherein the guide member includes a mechanical linkage system adapted to position the vent cover member in a substantially parallel orientation relative to the surface.
 3. An exhaust vent apparatus of claim 1 wherein the guide member provides both linear motion and an arcuate motion to allow the vent cover member to be laterally displaced from a direct passage of exhaust airflow through the exhaust passage.
 4. An exhaust vent apparatus of claims 3 wherein the displacement member allows displacement of the vent cover member to a plurality of positions relative to the surface of the appliance.
 5. An exhaust vent apparatus of claim 1 wherein the displacement member includes a motor for actuating the vent cover member between open and closed positions.
 6. An exhaust vent apparatus of claim 1 wherein the displacement member includes at least one motor driving mechanism operatively controlled by a controller.
 7. An exhaust vent apparatus of claim 6 wherein the controller is programmed to activate the displacement member to release the vent cover member to the open position when a specified maximum threshold air temperature or pressure is determined.
 8. An exhaust vent apparatus of claim 6 wherein the controller is programmed to activate the displacement member to release the vent cover member to the open position when at least one of a food product cooking environment and an associated appliance are in use.
 9. An exhaust vent apparatus of claims 6 wherein the motor driving mechanism allows displacement of the vent cover member to a plurality of positions relative to the surface of the food product cooking environment.
 10. An exhaust vent apparatus of claim 6 wherein the controller is programmed to operate the displacement means to retract the vent cover member to the closed position when at least one of a food product cooking environment and an associated appliance are disabled.
 11. An exhaust vent apparatus of claim 6 wherein the controller is programmed to operate the displacement means to retract the vent cover member to the closed position when a specified minimum threshold air temperature or pressure is determined.
 12. An exhaust vent apparatus of claim 1 wherein a plurality of exhaust vent covers engage the exhaust passage in flush alignment with the surface of appliance, the vent cover members substantially cover the exhaust passage.
 13. An exhaust vent apparatus of claim 1 wherein the displacement member for releasing and retracting the vent cover member is by manual operation.
 14. An exhaust vent apparatus of claim 1 wherein the displacement member includes a spring.
 15. An exhaust vent apparatus of claim 1 wherein the vent cover member comprises a non-linear shape.
 16. A method for concealing an exhaust passage in a cooking appliance comprising the steps of: covering an opening with a vent cover member, the vent cover member attached to at least one guide member and a displacement member to open and close the vent cover member with substantially linear motion; releasing the vent cover member to an open position, the vent cover member having a substantially parallel orientation relative to a surface of the cooking appliance; retracting the vent cover member to a closed position, the vent cover member resting in flush alignment to the surface.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the steps of: providing a signal to operate the displacement member to release the vent cover member to the open position when the cooking appliance is in use; and providing a signal to operate the displacement member to retract the vent cover member to the closed position when the cooking appliance is disabled.
 18. A method of claim 16, comprising the steps of: providing a signal to operate the displacement member to release the vent cover member to the open position when a specified maximum threshold air temperature is determined; and providing a signal to operate the displacement member to retract the vent cover member to the closed position when a specified minimum threshold air temperature is determined.
 19. An exhaust vent apparatus for concealing an exhaust passage in an over the range cooking appliance comprising: a vent cover member engaged to cover an exhaust passage in flush alignment with a front surface of the appliance in a closed position; a guide member operatively associated with the vent cover member and aligned with the exhaust passage to provide a travel path for the vent cover member whereby the vent cover member remains parallel relative to the front surface of the appliance; and, a displacement member coupled to the guide member for displacing the vent cover member, the displacement member engaging the guide member to actuate the vent cover member along the travel path.
 20. The exhaust vent apparatus of claim 19 wherein the vent cover member is laterally spaced from the surface in the open position. 